Hello Friends, it's been a while ☺ I have been scurrying around trying to tie up loose ends for teaching in France along with organizing a teaching trip to Norway, Poland and Spain which will be announced here shortly. Life has been busy, but good. Thank you for your patience.

In the meantime, I took a wee bit of 'me time' on the weekend to finish up this card to share with you. Once again, I am having so much fun with these Pure Innocence stamps and my Copic markers. I hope you like it ☺

March 24, 2010

Sorry that I've been MIA. Just popped in for a second to let you know that there is a new scrapbooking webisode courtesy of the Canadian Scrapbooker magazine ready for your viewing pleasure here. They also have a monthly trivia contest with a prize from Spellbinders on the site as well. Good Luck!

March 15, 2010

I was lucky enough to have this card published in the most recent issue of Canadian Scrapbooker magazine in the column I write. I absolutely LOVE this stamp line and love the combination of the patterned paper with it.

I've been having such fun stamping lately. What are your favorite lines of stamps - please share as I would enjoy seeing what has been inspiring your creativity lately☺

March 11, 2010

Time to share a preview of one of the classes I will be teaching atVersion Scrapin a month's time! This colorful and fun class is bursting with techniques and awesome product from fabulous manufacturers like Melissa Frances, Jenni Bowlin, Ranger Ink and Technique Tuesday. I love the small size of this album and the fresh color pallet with shades of pink, orange, aqua, green and cream brings a smile to my face!

Here is a small description: Carolyn invites you to join her for this exploratory workshop where we will begin a 4x4 mini album that we will fill with exciting stamping and embossing techniques. Experimentation and inspiration will be the main focus of the class.Come prepared to get ink on your fingers and have LOTS of fun!

(Please note: this cover preview image is slightly different from the first one which was released. Students will have the supplies to make whichever version they prefer - or a completely different one!!)

March 10, 2010

I've been feeling so inspired lately to craft and play with paper lately and have been enjoying tinkering with my classes for France along with working on firming up arrangements for more teaching opportunities later in the year.

March 04, 2010

This is the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow. Its original construction began in 1839, but it was torn down in 1931 so that a monument to Socialism could be built on the site. Due to a number of reasons, the monument was never built and for years the site was home to a huge swimming cauldron.

After the fall of Communism, the Russian Orthodox church decided to rebuild the Cathedral as a signal that faith was flourishing in their country again. Thanks to donations by hundreds of individuals and corporations construction took place from 1994-2000, when the building was finished.

I don't know about you, but when I'm in Europe, I frequently comment "they don't build them like this anymore" when I visit old churches and cathedrals. When Rick and I first saw this church in Moscow, we were absolutely shocked to learn that it wasn't hundreds of years old. The Church of the Cathedral in Moscow is proof that they can "build them like they used to" and do! Who knew?!

I must admit to being seriously sad that the Olympics are done. For 17 days I have lived, breathed, hoped, and believed in these games. I have cried with those who have won and lost, I have felt staggering joy and passionate patriotism. I have partied in the streets and yelled in the stands. I have loved showing our jewel of a city off to the world and hope that you have enjoyed visiting with us. I could go on and on about how proud I am, how loud I cheered and how much I've cried...But I'm sure my story is not unique. For many Vancouverites who have had the pleasure of living through these Olympic games, these past 17 days have been life changing. It seems trite to say it. But it is truly how I feel. We are now granted a few weeks of calm before the Paralympics begin. I'm sure we will feel just as inspired and sad when it draws to a close as well. I do hope that whatever your national colors you felt that your athletes were welcomed with open arms and you enjoyed visiting our city through the magic of television.